A 23-year-old drinker stabbed by a gang of masked men who stormed into a 'quiet' pub has been released from hospital.

Up to 12 men armed with machetes and bats launched a “targeted” assault on the victim in the Victoria Hotel in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, at 8.30pm on Saturday.

The man was stabbed several times before the group ran off just 30 seconds later. The victim suffered several deep lacerations, requiring urgent hospital treatment.

Police say he has now been discharged and is recovering at home.

A worker at the pub, who did not wish to be named, said the man had been in before but was not a "regular". 

The pub’s landlady said: “It all happened so fast and we are still very shaken up.

“The attack was during a quiet lull so it was hard to know what happened.”

Regulars at the pub say the attack was “in no way” a reflection on the pub.

A drinker, who did not wish to be named, added: “It is business as usual here – like nothing has happened. The community has rallied around the pub. I come in occasionally and there has never been any trouble before.”

Witnesses can call police them on 0161 8568222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.